Page 229 of 368
These effects can be reduced by timely rotation of tires.
The benefits of rotation are especially worthwhile with
aggressive tread designs such as those on On/Off Road
type tires. Rotation will increase tread life, help to main-
tain mud, snow, and wet traction levels, and contribute to
a smooth, quiet ride.
Follow the recommended tire rotation frequency for your
type of driving found in the “Maintenance Schedules”
Section of this manual. More frequent rotation is permis-
sible if desired. The reasons for any rapid or unusual
wear should be corrected prior to rotation being per-
formed.
The suggested rotation method is the “forward-cross”
shown in the following diagram.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS
Your engine is designed to meet all emis-
sions regulations and provide excellent
fuel economy and performance when us-
ing high quality unleaded gasoline having
an octane rating of 87. The use of premium
gasoline is not recommended. The use of
STARTING AND OPERATING 229
5
Page 232 of 368

Fuel System Cautions
CAUTION!
Follow these guidelines to maintain your vehicle’s
performance:
•The use of leaded gas is prohibited by Federal law.
Using leaded gasoline can impair engine performance,
damage the emission control system.
•An out-of-tune engine, or certain fuel or ignition
malfunctions, can cause the catalytic converter to
overheat. If you notice a pungent burning odor or
some light smoke, your engine may be out of tune or
malfunctioning and may require immediate service.
Contact your dealer for service assistance.
•The use of fuel additives which are now being sold as
octane enhancers is not recommended. Most of these
products contain high concentrations of methanol. Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems
resulting from the use of such fuels or additives is not
the responsibility of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Intentional tampering with emissions control
systems can result in civil penalties being assessed
against you.
Carbon Monoxide Warnings
WARNING!
Carbon monoxide (CO) in exhaust gases is deadly.
Follow the precautions below to prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning:
•Do not inhale exhaust gases. They contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which can kill.
Never run the engine in a closed area, such as a
garage, and never sit in a parked vehicle with the
232 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 250 of 368

Shifting Out Of Neutral (N)
Use the following procedure to prepare your vehicle for
normal usage.
1. Shift automatic transmission into N (Neutral) or de-
press clutch pedal on manual transmission.
2. Shift transfer case lever into desired position.
3. Shift automatic transmission into D (Drive) or release
clutch on manual transmissions.
NOTE: When shifting out of transfer case N (Neutral)
on automatic transmission equipped vehicles, turning
the engine off may be required to avoid gear clash.
WARNING!
You or others could be injured if you leave the
vehicle unattended with the transfer case in the N
(Neutral) position without first fully engaging the
parking brake. The transfer case N (Neutral) position
disengages both the front and rear driveshafts from
the powertrain and will allow the vehicle to move
despite the transmission position. The parking
brake should always be applied when the driver is
not in the vehicle.
CAUTION!
•Do not use a bumper mounted clamp-on tow bar
on your vehicle. The bumper face bar will be
damaged.
250 STARTING AND OPERATING
Page 287 of 368

Use only high purity water such as distilled or deionized
water when mixing the water/antifreeze (coolant) solu-
tion. The use of lower quality water will reduce the
amount of corrosion protection in the engine cooling
system.
Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to main-
tain the proper level of protection against freezing ac-
cording to the temperatures occurring in the area where
the vehicle is operated.
NOTE: Mixing antifreeze/coolant types will decrease
the life of the antifreeze/coolant and will require more
frequent antifreeze/coolant changes.
Cooling System Pressure Cap
The cap must be fully tightened to prevent loss of
antifreeze/coolant, and to insure that antifreeze/coolant
will return to the radiator from the coolant reserve tank. The cap should be inspected and cleaned if there is any
accumulation of foreign material on the sealing surfaces.
WARNING!
The warning words DO NOT OPEN HOT on the
cooling system pressure cap are a safety precaution.
Never add antifreeze/coolant when the engine is
overheated. Do not loosen or remove the cap to cool
an overheated engine. Heat causes pressure to build
up in the cooling system. To prevent scalding or
injury, do not remove the pressure cap while the
system is hot or under pressure.
Disposal of Used Engine Coolant
Used ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant is a regu-
lated substance requiring proper disposal. Check with
your local authorities to determine the disposal rules for
your community. To prevent ingestion by animals or
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 287
7
Page 299 of 368

•Avoid using abrasive compounds and power buffing
that may diminish the gloss or thin out the paint
finish.
CAUTION!
Do not use abrasive or strong cleaning materials
such as steel wool or scouring powder, which will
scratch metal and painted surfaces.
Special Care
•
If you drive on salted or dusty roads or if you drive
near the ocean, hose off the undercarriage at least once
a month.
•It is important that the drain holes in the lower edges
of the doors, rocker panels and tailgate must be kept
clear and open.
•If you detect any stone chips or scratches in the paint,
touch them up immediately. The cost of such repairs is
considered the responsibility of the owner.
•If your vehicle is damaged due to an accident or
similar cause which destroys the paint and protective
coating have your vehicle repaired as soon as possible.
The cost of such repairs is considered the responsibil-
ity of the owner.
•Aluminum wheels should be cleaned regularly with a
mild soap and water to prevent corrosion. To remove
heavy soil, use Mopar Wheel Cleaner or select a
nonabrasive, non-acidic cleaner. Do not use scouring
pads, steel wool, a bristle brush or metal polishes.
Only Mopar cleaners are recommended. Do not use
oven cleaner. Avoid automatic car washes that use
acidic solutions or harsh brushes that may damage the
wheels’ protective finish.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 299
7
Page 300 of 368

•If you carry special cargo such as chemicals, fertilizers,
de-icer salt, etc., assure that such materials are well
packaged and sealed.
•If a lot of driving is done on gravel roads, consider
mud or stone shields behind each wheel.
•Use Mopar Touch Up Paint on scratches or chips as
soon as possible. Your authorized dealer has touch up
paint to match the color of your vehicle.
Interior Care
Use Mopar Total Clean to clean fabric upholstery and
carpeting.
Interior Trim should be cleaned starting with a damp
cloth, a damp cloth with Mopar Total Clean, then
Mopar Spot & Stain Remover if absolutely necessary. Do
not use harsh cleaners or Armorall. Use Mopar Total
Clean to clean vinyl upholstery.
WARNING!
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning purposes.
Many are potentially flammable, and if used in
closed areas they may cause respiratory harm.
Glass Surfaces
All glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis
with Mopar Glass Cleaner or any commercial
household-type glass cleaner. Never use an abrasive type
cleaner. Use caution when cleaning inside rear windows
equipped with electric defrosters. Do not use scrapers or
other sharp instruments which may scratch the elements.
When cleaning the rear view mirror, spray cleaner on the
towel or rag that you are using. Do not spray cleaner
directly on the mirror.
300 MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE
Page 303 of 368

•Do not use harsh cleaners or bleaching agents on top
material, as damage may result.
•Do not allow any vinyl cleaner to run down and dry
on the paint, leaving a streak.
•After cleaning your vehicle’s fabric top, always make
sure it is completely dry before lowering.
•Be especially careful when washing the windows by
following the directions for “Care of Fabric Top Win-
dows.”
WASHING — Use MoparCar Wash or mild soap suds,
lukewarm water, and a brush with soft bristles. If extra
cleaning is required, use Mopar Convertible Cloth Top
Cleaner or a mild foaming cleaner on the entire top, but
support top from underneath.
RINSING — Be sure to remove all trace of cleaner by
rinsing the top thoroughly with clean water. Remember
to allow the top to dry before lowering it.
Care Of Fabric Top Windows
CAUTION!
Your vehicle’s fabric top has pliable plastic windows
which can be scratched unless special care is taken
by following these directions:
1. Never use a dry cloth to remove dust. Instead, use a
microfiber towel or soft cotton cloth moistened with
cold or warm, clean water, and wipe across the window,
not up and down. MoparJeep Soft Glass Window
Cleaner will safely clean all plastic windows without
scratching. Removes fine scratches to improve visibility
and provide UV protection to help prevent yellowing.
2. When washing, never use hot water or anything
stronger than a mild soap. Never use solvents such as
alcohol or harsh cleaning agents.
MAINTAINING YOUR VEHICLE 303
7
Page 331 of 368

Miles 108,000 111,000 114,000 117,000 120,000
(Kilometers) (180 000) (185 000) (190 000) (195 000) (200 000)
Inspect the drive belt and replace as needed. Not
required if belt was previously replaced. X
Drain and refill the transfer case fluid. X
Flush and replace the engine coolant/anti-freeze, if
not replaced at 102,000 miles (170 000 km). X
Inspection and service should also be performed anytime
a malfunction is observed or suspected. Retain all re-
ceipts.
† Applies only if vehicle is used for frequent trailer
towing or fleet/commercial service.
This maintenance is recommended by the manufac-
turer to the owner, but is not required to maintain
emissions warranty. ‡Off-highway operation, trailer towing, taxi, limousine,
bus, snow plowing, or other types of commercial service
or prolonged operation with heavy loading, especially in
hot weather, require front and rear axle service indicated
witha‡in Schedule “B”. Perform these services if the
vehicle is usually operated under these conditions.
SCHEDULE “B” 331
8
M
A I
N T
E
N A
N C E
S
C
H E
D
U L
E
S